Great Britain Deaflympians Hail University of Worcester Facilities

The Great Britain women’s deaf football squad have been training at the University of Worcester ahead of the Deaflympics, which take place in Turkey in July.

Chris Price, Assistant Coach with the GB women’s team, and a former University of Worcester student himself, said: “The University has always been very supportive of deaf sport and disability sport more widely, and we have a great relationship with many of the lecturers and staff here.

“Through the University we are able to access high quality facilities as well as drawing on the institution’s links with local clubs to organise friendlies that help us sharpen our skills ahead of major tournaments like the Deaflympics.”

Claire Stancliffe, a defender with the GB team, said: “Worcester is a fantastic place. It’s centrally located with good transport links. The facilities are brilliant and everyone is very welcoming. We would definitely like to return.”

The Deaflympics are officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. The games were first held in Paris in 1924, making them the second oldest multi-sport and cultural festival in the world.

Chris said, “My hope is to come away with a Gold medal as that is what we have been working hard for over the last year. We got a Bronze in the last Deaflympics so we would be looking to build on that. It will be tough coming up against paid, professional players but we understand that talent and hard work will always be important.”